Software allows computer hardware to perform useful tasks through a series of instructions or code. There are two main categories of software: system software which includes operating systems, utility programs, and drivers that allow communication with hardware; and application software like MS Office and web browsers that users directly interact with. Operating systems are essential system programs that manage data storage, security, file handling and communication between applications and hardware using drivers.

1. Software ICT GCSE

2. What is software? Programs we run on our computers Allows the hardware to do something useful, without it the hardware wouldn’t do anything It is made up of a series of instructions or computer code

3. Categories System software: Operating Systems, Utility Programs and Drivers Application software: the everyday programs, such as MS Office and web browsers

4. Operating Systems Part of the system software All computers have an OS It is a program that allows the applications to communicate with the hardware Examples: Windows Vista Windows XP Redhat Linux Mac OS X Leopard

5. Utility Programs Part of the system software Designed to specific tasks May be supplied with the OS or purchased separately Common tasks: File compression File sorting File renaming File conversion File repair

6. Operating Systems An OS performs many tasks, these include: Working out where to store data Dealing with security (Usernames and Passwords) File management Managing data transfer Saving, deleting, opening and closing files

7. Drivers Allows the OS to communicate with the hardware A specially written program which translates the commands from the OS into commands that the hardware will understand